Build Regs plus Retro for Windows Confusion.

[Tingly]

Good Morning

Last year i had some single glazed timber framed window casements replaced with double glazed ones.
I am about to have some more done to help with the chill in the house.
The window restorer has now said I need building regs for the new ones, which of course I am happy to do.
The problem is I didnt have building regs for the ones i did last year.
What should I do? Apparently they will pass as they comform to new standards.
Do i add them to the new application or do i have to do something else?
Thanks

 

[mrrusty]

Technically you need either a FENSA/CERTAS certificate or a building regs application. Your restorer is obviously not registered so is giving you the correct information which you can choose to action or ignore. However, the local authorities never* send out "window police" they are far too busy - it only becomes an issue if you sell, and even then a cheap indemnity policy is likely enough to offset the lack of certification.

*I have never heard of anything - maybe someone knows different? (excluding listed building/conservation area issues which are more likely to create attention)

 

[Tingly]

Thanks Mr Rusty. Thats really interesting as we are probably going to move anyway in the next 3 years as will need 1 level for disability access shortly (getting old!). Thanks for the info re the indemnity insurance. I always worry about regulations and things so pleased there are no window police! Hopefully I will sleep better tonight , thankyou

 

[noseall]

Good Morning

Last year i had some single glazed timber framed window casements replaced with double glazed ones.
I am about to have some more done to help with the chill in the house.
The window restorer has now said I need building regs for the new ones, which of course I am happy to do.
The problem is I didnt have building regs for the ones i did last year.
What should I do? Apparently they will pass as they comform to new standards.
Do i add them to the new application or do i have to do something else?
Thanks

Building Reg's would check to see if the glazing is toughened glass where applicable and that you have trickle vents (if applicable). They may comment on the efficiency of the DGU's.

 

[Tingly]

Thankyou

 

[^woody^]

The council may not accept the installed frames on a new application, and you may need a regularisation application for those.

Best apply for the new ones first, and if need be put them on the application or word the application to not specifically refer to them something like "all windows".

Then when the inspector comes out he will either accept them or ask for a regularisation application.

 

[Tingly]

Thankyou Woody for all your help.
I am absolutely terrified dealing with this. I keep having visions of enormous fines for changing my window panes!
Totally out of my comfort zone. Havent done any really big jobs here for years and life has changed a lot.
Have made a bit of a cock up on the application anyway tbh, i have said ‘to replace the glass in 7 windows,’ but i am now worried I should have counted up the individual parts of the windows as there are 4 panels in some.
Theyll probably think i am a right drip.
Do they have to arrive on the first day of installation?
Thanks again

 

[mrrusty]

‘to replace the glass in 7 windows,

I hope you realise that you have to be replacing the whole window including the frame to require a building control notification. Just replacing the glass or openers is a repair - no BC involvement needed at all.

 

[noseall]

I am absolutely terrified dealing with this. I keep having visions of enormous fines for changing my window panes!

In terms of crimes against building regulations, yours doesn't even rise above an amber dash on a pelican crossing.

 

[Tingly]

Thanks Noseall. Mr rusty, they are replacing the wood bit that the glass is in but not the whole window frame as such. Thanks

 

[mrrusty]

Mr rusty, they are replacing the wood bit that the glass is in but not the whole window frame as such. Thanks

no regs required then

 

[Tingly]

Oh Blimey! All that worry for nothing. Seems I have been misinformed. Thankyou

 

[mrrusty]

The guidance for the building regs from UKGov is attached. https://assets.publishing.service.g...4ff12/Manual_to_building_regs_-_July_2020.pdf Note it says regs only apply if the window (controlled fitting) is replaced, not just repaired, so e.g. if you have a window and just replace the openers and not the frame, that's a repair. It's always a little tricky to track this info down because of course anybody attached to the industry always tries to promote replacement.

If you have sash window and replace the sliders = repair. However if you install a complete uPVC window inside the old sash box frame then that would be a new window (stupid idea though).

 

[Tingly]

Thanks Mr Rusty. I cant tell you how much I appreciate all of your help.